Kari Pape, a student at Bushnell University, was awarded a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Grant from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was sponsored by P.E.O. Chapter DF of Eugene, OR.
Pape is pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. She graduated magna cum laude from University of Oregon in 2003 with a degree in Fine Art and has worked as an instructional assistant for five years at Maple Elementary School in Springfield.
The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education was established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the U.S. and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families..
Chapter DF has been a part of the Eugene-Springfield community since the chapter was organized in 1960.
P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women and helping them reach for the stars for more than 150 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 116,000* women pursue educational goals by providing over $383 million* in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College in Nevada, MO. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education, while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.
What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America with close to 6,000 chapters.
To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org
*As of April 2021